Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6542 inside caseback stamped III.59
    Movement No: DN899753
    Case No: 482'294
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1066, "butterfly" rotor, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.60
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by additional bakelite bezel.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This example of reference 6542 is distinguished by its immaculate dial and case condition. The dial still displays an impressive mirror like finish, and is extremely shiny and black with barely any signs of ageing. This fact is especially pertinent when one takes into consideration the fact that most existing dials today are highly spiderwebbed and mottled, while this example remains virtually free of imperfections. The luminous material of the indexes has aged evenly to a charming camel hue. The “small arrow” (“freccino”, in Italian) 24-hour hand is another original and appealing detail.

    With a serial number of 482'294, the present example dates from 1959, and indeed the inside of the back is stamped for the third quarter of 1959. The bracelet as well is equally collectible, as it bears a Big Logo. It is important to point out the rarity and collectability of such Big Logo bracelet, which were made for only 3 years from 1958 to 1960.

    First released in in 1954, the GMT-Master reference 6542 was designed for pilots to use in their line of work. With the rise of international travel in the 1940s and 1950s, Rolex initially created the model for Pan Am airlines to track dual time zones. This ingenious design featured an immediately recognizable bakelite bezel with the twenty-four hour numerals painted on the underside, made to glow in any weather condition. Bakelite was Rolex's original material of choice, due to its low reflectivity and high readability. The additional luminous 24 hour tipped hand allowed the viewer to immediately track a second time zone.

    Given that the GMT-Master was created for specific, work-related purposes, most examples were cased in stainless steel. These watches were worn in the most practical sense and made to withstand the elements. Thus, it is incredibly to find watches in original condition, like the present example. Due to the immense fragility of these watches, it is almost impossible to find examples fitted with their original bakelite insert.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 6542 inside caseback stamped III.59
A very well preserved and highly striking stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bakelite bezel and bracelet

Circa 1959
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€85,100-170,000
$93,000-186,000

Sold for CHF88,900

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024